Evacuation order lifted for NW Kansas community after wildfire; red flag (fire weather) warning raised concerns
Officials lifted the evacuation order for the town of Herndon just after 7: 00 p. m. ET Tuesday, allowing residents who left earlier in the day to return home after a large grass fire moved through the area. Emergency teams say the blaze is largely under control and posed no further threat to the community.
Residents cleared to return as containment improves
Authorities announced the evacuation lift for Herndon in the evening, following sustained firefighting efforts. The fire chief said the blaze was about 80% contained and no longer a threat to the town. Crews continued to monitor hot spots and secure fire lines to prevent any resurgence as conditions cooled.
Earlier in the afternoon, the town had been placed under an evacuation order when a fast-moving grass fire was observed roughly 4–5 miles northwest of Herndon and pushing southeast toward the community around 4: 00 p. m. ET. Law enforcement and emergency management directed residents to shelter in Atwood at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 808 1st Street, until further notice. No injuries were reported as of 3: 30 p. m. ET.
Firefighting response and local conditions
Multiple local agencies responded to the fire, prioritizing the protection of homes and critical infrastructure. Engines and hand crews worked to establish containment lines and slow the fire’s spread, while assessment teams searched for any remaining hot spots through the evening hours.
Officials cautioned that the combination of dry grass and gusty winds can produce rapid, unpredictable fire behavior. Such red flag (fire weather) conditions commonly increase the risk that a small ignition will grow quickly, which is why responders acted early to evacuate the town and stage resources nearby. With containment at about 80%, incident commanders shifted focus to mop-up operations and community checks before authorizing returns.
What residents should know now
Residents returning to Herndon should remain alert to instructions from law enforcement and fire personnel on the scene. While the immediate threat has subsided, crews will be on-site to watch for flare-ups and to assist homeowners with basic safety checks. Residents are advised to inspect their properties for any signs of lingering heat or smoke and to report concerns to local emergency contacts.
The temporary shelter in Atwood remains available for anyone who needs additional assistance, and community volunteers stood by to provide support during the evacuation period. Officials reiterated that preparedness measures—clearing combustible material from around homes, having an evacuation plan, and staying tuned to local advisories—are key to reducing risk during the peak of the fire season.
Authorities will continue to provide updates as crews work to fully contain the fire and assess final damage. For now, Herndon residents have been given the all-clear to return and begin the process of resuming normal activities.
